We keep focusing on the future of the Blackhawks because the present is just… yeah. So when Corey Pronman at The Athletic drops his mid-season rankings of the top NHL players and prospects under 23, it grabs my attention.
Because that’s the future of the Blackhawks.
Pronman has jumped on the hype train and moved Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini to No. 1 on his list. He isn’t alone in Pronman’s “Elite NHL player” top tier, however. Blackhawks sophomore Connor Bedard is ranked third (Ottawa’s Tim Stützle is second).
Here are where the Blackhawks’ players and prospects ranked on his list and their tier:
3. Connor Bedard, C
“Bedard’s second NHL season started off slowly, but as the year has gone along he’s started to score as we’ve come to expect. He’s a dynamic player around the puck and generates plenty of scoring chances. He has among the best puck skills in the NHL and the ability to beat most defenders one-on-one. He makes a ton of highly creative plays through opponents and to teammates. He’s a great passer who makes unique plays. He’s also a great midrange shooter who can beat NHL goalies from the circles even if he hasn’t done that much lately. Bedard is a smaller forward and isn’t an elite speedster for a small guy, but he moves well and is very elusive in tight areas. He competes hard and doesn’t get pushed around. There was always a question when he was in junior if he was an NHL center or not. That question remains but he’s so smart that he may end up sticking in the middle. He projects as a player who should routinely be at the top of the scoring charts in the league.”
22. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
- Tier 3: “Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player”
“Levshunov has been good as a teenage defenseman in the AHL, although there have been some bumps and he hasn’t performed as expected after the 2024 No. 2 pick was a dominant college player. He’s extremely skilled and creative, both as a puckhandler and passer with a real smoothness and confidence in his puck touches. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns but at the pro level he’s shown some struggles in that regard. He projects as a top-pair NHL defenseman who can provide a lot of offense.”
- Note: Pronman has Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber at No. 23.
66. Kevin Korchinski, LHD
- Tier 5: “Bubble top and middle of the lineup player”
“Korchinski is a talented player but he’s had his struggles as a pro including some inconsistent play this year in the AHL. There’s no doubting the tools Korchinski has. He’s a fantastic skater for a big man, with clear NHL footspeed and edge work. His ability to turn pucks up ice with his feet is a differentiator. He has legit skill and vision and can create chances at an NHL pace. The issue with Korchinski is that despite his size and feet, he’s just an average defender. I also don’t think he’s a super instinctive puck-mover. The physical tools are so good that he should still end up a legit top-four defenseman, but there may be some bumps along the way.”
67. Sam Rinzel, RHD
- Tier 5: “Bubble top and middle of the lineup player”
“Rinzel’s development has gone very well during his time at Minnesota, becoming one of the top defenders in college hockey in his sophomore season. The tools on Rinzel are obvious, as a huge defenseman who can skate and has legit offensive skills. He can rush pucks up the ice like an NHLer. I wouldn’t call him a natural playmaker, but he can move pucks well and has a strong point shot. Defense has never been Rinzel’s calling card, and it still isn’t, but I’ve liked that he’s tried using his big body more of late and think he could defend competently in the NHL. He’s tracking like a potential top-four NHL defenseman.”
73. Roman Kantserov, RW
- Tier 5: “Bubble top and middle of the lineup player”
“Kantserov has been a top player for Magnitogorsk this season, scoring at a near-point-per-game rate. Kantserov isn’t that big, but everything else about his game is a plus. He’s a very quick skater with high-end skills who projects to be able to create offense at high levels. He gives a good effort, creates in hard areas, and is a responsible two-way player. He has the tools to score and make plays versus men and will earn a coach’s trust. He projects as a middle-six winger with a chance to put up legit points in the NHL.”
89. Sacha Boisvert, C
91. Oliver Moore, C/W
128. Lukas Reichel, C/W
132. Colton Dach, LW
- Tier 6: “Middle of the lineup player”
My Thoughts
First, I’m not surprised but still disappointed that Frank Nazar wasn’t even mentioned on Pronman’s list of 139 players and prospects. If you’ve paid attention whenever I share Pronman’s rankings and lists, he’s never been very high on Nazar. I disagree with him on that evaluation, but appreciate his consistency.
Secondly, at this point in his career, I wouldn’t have Reichel anywhere near the list — especially if Nazar isn’t ranked. But, just as Pronman hasn’t been high on Nazar, he’s always been a Reichel fan. Again, he’s been consistent.
The fact that Levshunov is ranked right ahead of Faber on the list is noteworthy, which is why I included that note. Faber looks like a regular all-star for the next decade in Minnesota. So let’s keep that in mind while amateur evaluators tell us Levshunov is “a bust.” A reminder: Faber played three years at Minnesota before going pro. Levshunov played one season — before his draft year — at Michigan State.
Rinzel continues to climb these lists, making the Blackhawks taking him in the first round look better all the time. I like where Boisvert came on the list as well. He’s having a strong freshman season at North Dakota, leading the team in points.
Finally, I would advocate for another long look at Nick Lardis here. If we’re going to praise players for scoring (like Kantserov), it’s impossible to ignore what Lardis is doing in the OHL this season.